K9 Jessy, retired police dog, passed today from cancer. This Thanksgiving Day I must give my thanks for having known her & her handler, Officer Julie. K-9 Jessy was a fabulous police dog with many drug finds, apprehensions of suspects, & locator of lost people to her credit. But she befriended my young daughter almost 7 years ago.

My daughter founded Heroes On Paws to buy bullet proof vests for police dogs at the age of 12. K-9 Jessy became a willing poster dog for her efforts. She has been by her side with her partner, Officer Julie, for countless fund raising events. At one such event, my daughter had just lost her own dog to AIHA. K-9 Jessy, feeling her sadness, stuck to her side all day with her head in her lap, offering what comfort she could. K-9 Jessy supported our 4-H Dog Club kids in many events through the years. I attribute my daughter's success with her own show dogs to her early days with this grand police dog.

Jessy had been fighting cancer, but last night I got the call from Julie that her leg was swollen again. Drugs were not helping. This morning, K-9 Jessy made her final trip & crossed over the bridge as Julie whispered in her ear, recounting their days of catching the bad guys & finding the drugs. Jessy gave one last tail wag at the sound of Julie's voice.

This is your final call to duty, K-9 Jessy. Thank you for a job well done & God speed. We will deeply miss you. You are our original Hero On Paws.

Kathy Garcia
Louisville, KY

Some dogs come into our lives and quickly go, others stay awhile, leaving footprints on our hearts and we are changed forever.

Author Unknown